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IKagdalene of Trance 



Hit llistorical Drama 

(lllustrattd) 



Ernest l^ugb Fitz^atrfcli 



Copyright according to Act of Congress, 

by Ernest Hugh Fitzpatrick, 

1907. 

(English Rights Applied For) 




Yours Very Sincerely 

Ernest Hugh Fit zpat rick 



MAGDALENE OF FRANCE 



AN HISTORICAL DRAMA 
IN FOUR ACTS. 

(ILLUSTRATED) 



BY 

ERNEST HUGH FITZPATRIGK, l. R. G. P., ED. 



(ALL RIGHTS RESERVED) 



PUBLISHED BY 

THE SENTINEL PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

PONTIAC, ILLINOIS 

1907 



' LIBRARY ot CONGiiE^ 
Two Copies Rec3iy*j 

DEC 31 1907 






x 



CLASS 1> XXcAu.j \ X «\^-.0 

COPY B. 



SYNOPSIS AND REVIEW OF THE DRAMA. 

By the Sentinel Publishing Company. 



The scenes of the play are laid in Scotland and France, 
and the story is drawn from the romantic incidents that sur- 
rounded the marriage of James the Fifth of Scotland and the 
Princess Magdalene, or Madeleine, the youngest daughter of 
Francis I, K=ng of France. The young king of Scotland was 
very much wanted by Henry the Eighth of England for hus- 
band to his daughter Mary, Henry's design being to ultimately 
unite the two kingdoms of England and Scotland. He was 
therefore much chagrined when King James married into the 
royal house of France. The conduct of James to the Princess 
Mary de Vendome cannot be defended on any grounds. On 
King Francis representing to him the delicate state of Magda- 
lene's health, he expressed his willingness to forego his claim 
upon the hand of Magdalene, and plighted his troth to Mary 
de Vendom.e on recommendation of Francis. The play en- 
deavors to- follow him during h's sojourn in France, his visit 
to the Chateau of Lorraine in disguise, his visit to Francis' 
court, his repudiation of Mary de Lorraine and his subsequent 
marriage to Magdalene in January, 1537. On Magdalene's pre- 
mature death in June, 1537, in Scotland, he afterwards wedded 
Mary of Lorraine, the Dowager Duchess of Longueville. 
By Mary of Lorraine he had a daughter, the unfortunate 
Mary Queen of Scots, who was but a few days old 
when Kmg James died. On James hearing of the birth 
of the Princess aiary, he gave expression to the now famous 
saying, "We came in with a lass and we go out with a lass." 
The dramat'st for artistic purposes has taken the dual char- 
acters of Mary de Vendome and Mary de Lorraine and moulded 
then into the single character of 'Mary de Lorraine, a strikingly 
picturesque one. The story ia ihus intensified and the character 
of Mary de Lorraine is given a continuity of interest which 
otherwise it could not possibly possess. 

The Lord Murray mentioned in the play must not be 
confused with James Stewart, the second Earl of Murray, the 
chief adviPor of Mary Queen of Scots. This Murray was created 
Earl Murray in 15G2, James V of Scotland was born in 1512 



and died in 1542 at Falkland after his army had been routed 
by the English at Solway Moss on November 25, 1542, at the 
early age of thirty. One of the most stirring climaxes of the drama 
comes at the last scene of Act III, Mary de Lorraine bein^ 
discarded by James the Fifth, enters a convent. Queen Magda- 
lene, her successful rival, goes to see her and pleads with Mary 
not to take the veil as she (Magdalene) feels that she has 
not long to live and that King James had pledged himself to 
marry Mary de Lorraine when she (Magdalene) died. The 
beauty of the lines in this scene and the play of words in 
portraying character and depicting emotion at once excite our 
admiration and enlist our sympathies. This scene rests like 
a peerless gem in a beautiful and chaste setting. The 4th, or 
last act, in its two scenes is thrillingly dramatic, ending in 
powerful climaxes leading up to the death of James the Fifth, 
the preservation from death of the infant Mary Queen of 
Scots, and the proclamation of the infant as queen of Scotland 
by the command of King Henry VIIL The story in the ma'n 
is true to history, the author taking only such liberties usually 
conceded to dramatists to round out the drama of their stories. 
The interest is kept up from start to finish and intensifies as 
the story proceeds. The story is told in beautiful language, 
the climaxes are powerful and heart stirring and constructed 
with rare ability. Competent critics declare the drama of a 
very high order of merit. We present the play to the publ'c 
with every confidence that it will readily meet with the success 
that we feel it richly deserves. 



MADGALENE OF FRANCE 



AN HISTORICAL PLAY IN FOUR ACTS 



CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. 

King James V of Scotland. The Princess Mary de Lorraine. 

Lord Lion Lady Ellenor, lady-in-waiting upon 

Mary. 
The Bishop of St. Andrews. 

Ihe attendants upon the Duke de 

The Earl of Murray. Lorraine. 

Sir James Hamilton, special attend- Quests at the fete at the Chateau de 

ant upon King James. Lorraine. 

The Duke of Albany and his attend- Knights, Country Gentry, Farmers, 

ants. Etc. 

Lord Howard and his attendants. Courtiers of the Court of King James. 

King Francis I of France. Elderly Nuns (two) attendants upon 

„ . T,T 1 1 .^^c+ Lady Mary de Lorraine. 
The Princess Magdalene, younge?-t 

daughter of King Francis. H'ghland Soldiers of King James. 

Lady Geraldyne Murray. Attendants upon Court of King James. 

Guards in attendance upon King 'i^e infant Princess, "Marv Queen of 

Francis. Scots." 

Watchmen of Paris. English Soldiers. 

The Duke de Lorraine. j.ord Howard's messenger. 




Miss Agnes Lannon, who appeared in the role of 
"Magdalene of France." 



— 7— 
ACT I, 

SCENE I. — Throne Boom in Holijrood Falace, Edinburgh. 
Present: King James V of Scotland on his throne; the 
Bishop of St. Andreivs, the Earl of Murmy, Lord Lion 
and Esquires, and Sir James Hamilton, Special Attendant 
upon his Majesty, Etc., Etc. 

King James — 

8ir James, prithee cease that music, 

For I am somewhat disturbed today ard proT<e to iriitation. 

(*8'«r James thereupon raises his hand and the music ceases.) 

My Lord Lion, hast thou heard aught from France ? 

Or of my worthy uncle too, of England^ 

What hath he to propound ? 

Lord Howard will be here anon — 

At least I have been thus informed. 

Henry the Eighth of England, brother of our mother. 

Hast wrought naught but desolation upon his fair realms. 

What wishes he with me, I cannot tell, 

But James of Scotland will be enticed by him 

Into no wrong dealings. What hour is it ? 

Lord Lion — 

Just half the hour of noon. Your Majesty, 

And none too soon indeed, for Scotland's King 

To proclaim to the loyal subjects of his realm. 

That he will lend himself to none of the foul machinations 

Of England's King, who hath already 

Wed thrice one fair maid, and thus 

Hath set at naught the laws of God anfl man. 

King James — 

Truly and well said, my Lord Lion; 

The earth's greatest potentates 

Cannot make of me a sapling ash 

To bend the way their wills direct; 

Not Henry the Eighth, my relative, nor yet a hundred 

Henries 
Can make me forget my promptings as a man and King, i 



But here comes my Lord Murray and with him 
I do see Lord Howard. A mission, I take it, 
From our Sire of England. 

Welcome Lord Howard. What news thy tidings bring ? 
Is it well with Henry, thy liege and lawful King? 
Lord Howard — 

'Tis well, my Lord, with my august sire. 

I crave thy patience that I may lay 

At thy royal feet these fair tokens 

Of my master's regard for thee. 

{He lays the gifts at King James' feet.) 

His Majesty, the King of England, 

Did command of me 

To carry to your Majesty's ears 

A proposition of state: — 

He bade me offer to Scotland's King, 

The hand of his fair daughter. 

The Princess Mary of Tudor, 

So that these contiguous realms 

May live in peace and brotherly concord. 

King James — 

'Tis well, my Lord Howard, 

Your tidings are to me most welcome. 

All these signs of King Henry's favor. 

These goodly gifts {points to the gifts at his feet) 

So liberally bestowed. 

Have awakened in my breast sweet remembrances 

Of my lord, your King. But pray thee, rest awhile 

And some refreshment seek, 

And let me take council a while 

Vv^ith these, the pillars of my realm. 

{He points to those around him.) 

My Lord Murray, do your very best 

To make Lord Howard's sojourn a credit to your King. 

Lord Murray — 

Come, my Lord Howard, come with me. 



—9— 

I will point you where thou couldst 

Refresh and rest awhile. {Exit Lords Howard and Murray.) 

King James — 

My Lords, you did hear 

What the Lord Howard hath remarked. 

We must be circumspect in our reply 

And avoid offense to England's pompous king; 

Magdalene of France is Scotland's future queen, 

On that rest assured ; my heart on her is fixed, 

And no King Henry of England can aught of my resolve 

undo. 
]^ow who have we here ? My Lord of Albany, from France, 

I swear! 
(The Lord Chamberlain approaches with Lord Albany.) 
Welcome back, Lord Albany, welcome back from France 
To these our shores and crags of the Bonnie land of Scots. 
Thou dost bring message from my lord, the King of France ? 
Prithee tell me what he hath to say. 
I have been impatient these many days to hear 
Somewhat of his doings and news of our fair Magdalene, 

The Duhe of Albany — 

His Majesty of France has plnced h^ my hands this epistle, 
Which to Your Majesty I was to deliver 
And deign an answer. 

Which I was to bear, with no loss of time. 
Back to France, for Francis is impatient 
To learn your Majesty's will and pleasure. 
{Lord Albany bending on one knee, hands King James i 
letter, who breaks the sml and reads it to himself.) 

King James — 

Pray, noble Albany, may I be so bold to ask 

That I may read aloud to the=? ntt:^ndants. 

Upon my court and my wise counselors -, 

This epistle which you have brought ? ' \ 

Duhe of Albany — - - 

Your Majesty's pleasure is my own. 



—10— 

King James — 

Listen, mv counselors, wise and just, 
"What my King of France, Francis, doth say to rae. 
I nuist confess that I am somewhat disturbed 
By the sad news. 

Magdalene, upon whom my affection hath been placed, 
Is ailing, and none too strong 
To brave the blasts of our northern shores. 
Francis offers me instead the hand of Mary of Lorraine, 
However, my Lord Lion, do but read the letter 
To our counselors, that I might take their opinion. 
(Lord Lion takes the letter from the King and reads it 
aloud.) 

"The Princess Magdalene is unhappily not in a state of 
health to be removed from her native air to a cold climate like 
Scotland, and as her physician doubts whether she unll ever be 
well enough to fidfill her engagement to Your Majesty, I beg 
that all thoughts of her be relinquished as only likely to lead 
to delay and end in dis^ippointment ; at the same time I recom- 
mend Your Majesty to transfer his addresses to Lady Mary of 
Lorraine, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Lorraine, the first 
prince of the royal blood in France." 
King James — 

My lords and noble friends. 

This news to us is sad indeed. 

Fair Magdalene to me myself 

Hath been the pilot of a loving heart, 

Unto the shores of barrenness, 

But Scotland's king will no duty shirk 

To circumvent the pressure of his uncle's will ; 

For Scotland's ill is bound with Henry's child as Scot- 
land's queen. 

My Lord Albany, to you we make promise 

To abide by what my lord, the King of France, 

Francis the First, of noble mien, doth suggest. 

To Mary of Lorraine, we will protest 

Our sincere desire that our union will 



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Mr. E. A. Simmons, as "James V" of Scotland. 



—11— 

To France and Scotland bring peace and joy. 

What say you, my lords, shall we accept 

The proffered goods by Lorraine sent, 

And thus our troth will plight? 

The Lord Howard we will answer give 

That Francis of France hath a prior claim 

Upon Scotland's King, and who, if these matters fail, 

Will turn his eyes toward England's realm; 

But we must now with all due courtesy and due grace 

Decline the offered hand of Mary of Tudor. 

Lord Lion — 

If I may speak (looks around him) as the mouth piece of 

Thy Majesty's counsellors, 
I will declare for them, and for the people of your realm 
That we concur in Your Majesty's decision. 
Mary of Lorraine is both beautiful and great, 
And will, I trow, to Scotland lend her race, 
Co-mingled with your own. 
To balance and embrace for years to come, 
And will thus prevent England's nefarious king 
From placing any bastard child on Scottish throne. 

{Enter Lord and Lady Murray and Lord Howard unobserved.^ 

Duke of Albany — 

I commend your Majesty's wise decision, 
And now will pour at your Majesty's feet 

The treasures that Lorraine hath sent 
To bind the compact. 
(He places at the King's feet the dowry sent by the Dule of 
Lorraine, talcing the treasure from several attendants who 
had entered the room with heavy sacks on their shoulders.) 
Your Majesty, here are ten times ten thousand cro\\Ti3 in 
gold. 

Lord Murray — 

Your Majesty, my Liege Lord, may I be so bold as to in- 
terject a sentence. 



—12— 

King James — 

Speak on good Murray. 

Lord Murray — 

Your Majesty should consider Howard's proposition. 

The Lady Mary Tudor is great in qualities that maketh for 

a Queen. 
These two realms torn by war in past years, 
Seepeth at their very pores with blood. 
Good many a Scot hath gone down before the English 

archers, 
And is Scotland destined to bleed again? 
The duty of the King if not to protect his subjects 
Wherein does such duty lie ? 

And if, by so seemly a marriage, the good King James 
Could bring to an end forever 
These devastating wars. 

He will give to his loyal subjects peace and prosperity ; 
Our castles are cast down. 
Our halls and cottages demolished 
By the barbaric English soldiery. 
Our fields are destroyed, our yoemanry starving. 
Therefore, I pray thee, good King James, 
Listen patiently to Howard's proposals. 
Bring not down upon benighted Scotland 
The wrath of King Henry VIII of England, 
I pray thee most noble king. 

King James — 

Tut, Tut, good Murray, 
Thou hast thy picture overdrawn, 

Scotland still has many a knight and many a yoeman, 
Who is willing to bleed for their soverign prince. 
Our worthy sire, Sir Robert Bruce, spake not thus, 
Bannockburn has marked the end of England's rule 
Over these lands of freedom loving Scots, 
No English King will ever be bold enough. 
To attempt p.gain the subjugation of our realm. 



—13— 

Lady Murray — 

My liege King, a word from her 

Who represents the women of this land: — 

Shall no mother, wife, sister or daughter 

Of bold knight and yoeman 

Plead with our good King James, 

To give them a few years of security and peace? 

Think, my liege Lord, of all the sacrifices 

That these good women have made, 

For thee and for thine house. 

Fathers, brothers, husbands and sons 

Slain by the very thousands. 

Hundreds of corpses left mutilated on a hundred fields, 

Begging even the covering of the earth, 

To be the food for vultures, foul carrion birds. 

Even they hath higher charity in the sight of Heaven, 

Do they not feed upon the unfeeling dead ? 

While the ambitions of Kings and Princes 

Feed upon the living! 

And taketh the very food 

That should be given the suckling mouth! 

For the small sacrifice of thyself, 

If sacrifice we can so call it, 

Is to be denied thy children 

This great boon of perpetual peace 

With our southern foes, 

Denied to those, who have so oft 

Given themselves to death for thee, 

We ask not much, my Lord, 

And deny it not I conjure thee, 

If thou wouldst not condemn 

To a bloody death upon the field 

More of these men that we have nurtured 

From within ourselves. 

Condemn them not to battle and to murder. 

Shouldst this opportunity to cement with England 

This alliance be cast off, 



—14— 

Harken to this prediction, beloved King, 
Thou thyself art destined to fall a prey 
To England's valient hosts. 
And to lie upon a field unkno^vn 
Strewn with a thousand rotting corpses. 

King James — 

It appears to me, my lady, 

You have spoken boldly thus 

To have addressed your sovereign 

In such menacing language. 

Albeit thou hast already suffered much 

And we will overlook this outburst. 

And not forget that thou thyself art English. 

Well do we desire to see an ending 

To these fratricidal and bloody wars, 

And to cease this desolation of our realm, 

We are with you, kind lady, in your desires. 

But w^e cannot thus bring the neck of Scotland 

Under the yoke that England will impose. 

Lady Murray — 

My liege lord and King, 

Two of my sons that nestled at this bosom 

Hath already been slain in Scotland's behalf. 

Three others have I, and they are at your command, 

For Scotland's honor if meet be. 

But to useless and avoidable slaughter, 

I will not yield them. 

But be it as you wish, my liege lord, 

Let none here ever say. 

That the Lady Murray 

ITath not found courage in her heart 

To speak the words of truth. 

Which craven counselors are afraid to utter, 

Lest they bring upon themselves 

King James' wrath and displeasure. 
^^ Let none say, that when our King 

Is mourned with all the flower of Scotland's chivalry, 




Miss Nora MacGahan, who appeared in the role of "Lady 
Geraldyne Murray." 



—15— 

That I held my voice because I was English, 

And did not give to my adopted land 

That wisdom I feel that I possess. 
King James — 

Enough, fair lady, 

Enough of such dire forebodings. 

]\fethinks you have presumed 

Upon our Royal patience. 
Lady Murray — 

I go forth, most gracious King, 

May Heaven guide and protect you in all your doings. 

CURTAIN DROPS. 

ACT I — SCENE II. — {May he in the same room. Present: 
Lady Geraldyne Murray and her cousin Lord Hoivard.) 

Lady Murray — 

Welcome my cousin, the Noble Lord Howard, 
Both chivalrous and brave. 
We have not met since we were children. 
For long years past I have lived in Scotland, 
• While you, my lord, hath basked 

In the sunlight of the favor and smiles 

Of the great English King, Henry VIII, 

The marriage that you now propose 

Hath the heartiest support of my Lord Murray and myself. 

It will be a guarantee that these wars will end. 

Wars that have desolated both England and Scotland! 

Lord Howard — 

Twice pleased am I indeed to see you, Fair Geraldyne, 

Also to learn of the support that you have given 

The marriage of King James 

To the Princess ^[ary of Tudor, 

It was my intent, however, to ask the support 

Of yourself and the good Lord Murray, 

But from your pleadings with King James, 

It appears, I need not be a suppliant. 



—16— 

Lady Murray — 

What you did hear, my Lord, 

Are tlie promptings of wisdom, 

Between the Princess Magdalene, 

And the Princess Mary; 

I have no choice. 

But my choice lies, indeed, 

Between England so near, and France so far; 

From France, we have no fear of evil. 

By England, we are constantly menaced. 

Therefore, I favor the alliance with England. 

Lord Howard — 

Wisely spoken. Fair Geraldyne, 
If aught you can ask of Howard 
That he can with honor give, 
You have but to name you wish. 

Lady Murray — 

But one request I ask, my lord. 

Should Lord Murray and myself 

Do our best to circumvent this French marriage, 

Promise to give me in future 

Timely warning of any descent 

That King Henry might propose 

To make upon this stricken land. 

And to council against such attempt: — 

Lord Howard — 

"Wirh great gladness do I grant that favor, 

For you must learn. Fair Greraldyne, 

That shonldst I fail to thwart King James, 

My head shall pay the forfeit upon the block, 

This marriage must not take place 

If I can do aught to prevent it. 

Your bold language to King James 

Should surely awaken within his heart 

Some forebodings of those evils that may strike 

Scotland, should Henry slighted be, 



—17— 

But here comes my Lord Murray, do you 

But take a place along with us, 

Noble Murray, Your fair lady here, 

My worthy kinswoman, and I 

Have been alarmed at Scotland's great danger. 

In the event of King James refusing the hand 

Of the Princess Mary of Tudor. 

Lord Murray — 

There is no one in Scotland 
More alive to her danger 
Than Lord Murray, and he is doing 
His utmost to change the leanings 
Of his liege King, James the V. 

Lord Howard — 

I have conveyed to the Lady Geraldyne 

My appreciation of your good work. 

And have promised her 

For so signal a service, 

A slight reward, 

I have pledged myself 

To give her full warning 

Of any design, that Henry may in future plan. 

To descend upon Scotland, 

And to advise against such attempt. 

So cease not thy good efforts, worthy Murray, 

To bring to naught this French marriage. 

Lord Murray — 

For such assurance and promise. 

Pray accept the thanks of one, 

Who has oft bled for Scotland's weal, 

And who now sorrows at her desolated state. 

Lord Howard — 

Be not in haste to thank me, my Lord, 
For should James marry into the Royal house of England, 
There will be little occasion for a descent upon this land, 
For all hostile intent will forever be set aside. 



—18— 

Lord Murray — 

Let us trust it will be so my lord, 

The King doth call mj name, 

I must hasten to see what may be his pleasure 

Farewell for awhile, we will confer later upon these things. 

{King James enters ivith his entourage. Exit Lords Uoward 
and Murray and Lady Murray.) 

King James — 

My Lord Albany, I would wish to make 

One fair proposition. 

To which kindly give your heed. 

In a desire to see the fair Mary of Lorraine 

I will betake me unknown to her. 

Into her presence and see what fate 

Hath in store for nie, and this my kingdom as her queen. 

Tomorrow, after I have bid farewell to Howard, 

And given message back to England's King, 

Sir James will with me prepare 

Such arrangement, as the case demands. 

For visit to France, so keep thy council. 

I will give further instructions to my Lord Murray 

To meet me in Paris. 

But now let us proceed to good cheer, 

(At this juncture the pages hand around glasses, all drinh to the 
health and success of King James, accompanied with some 
suitable song.) 



CUETAm DROPS. 




Mr, A. B. MacGahan, who appeared in the role of 
"Lord Howard." 



ACT II. 

SCENE I. — Ante chamher in the pal- ■ of Francis I, King of 
Fi-ancc. The Boyal Guard, armeo ith drawn sword, mar- 
ches up and down the chamher. .'rter Magdalene^ af tired 
in a morning gown. 

Magdalene {to guard.) 

Is my royal father within ? 
I wish to speak to him. 

Guard — 

Your Eoyal Highness, I did but t'tis moment hear 

The king stir himself aronnd. 
Magdalene — 

Convey to him from me a message, 
That the Princess Magdalene 
Doth await here his pleasure, 
{Guard enters the royal chamher to coavey tUe message, he 
presently returns.) 

Guard — 

The king, my royal master, will bo here anon. 

{King Francis I enters in a short whi!^.. .Magdalene drops on 
orne Jcnee and Icisses him in salutation.) 

Francis I. — 

Why, my child, why so enrly a cpil ? LooJcing intently at 
Magdalene and seeing her distressed.) 
What hath disturbed my little princess ? 

Magdalene — 

Sire, I would speak with thee alone. 
{Francis ^notions to the guard to tuithdrair. who forthwith salutes 

and does so.) 

Francis — 

Fair Magdalene, wdiat aro thy 1- ' 'sts? (He places hiii 

hand upon her head and looks ' n on her. MagdaJi^n 

takes both her father's li-vds in ' ) 



—22— 

Magdalene (Loohing up through her tears and smiling) — 
Thank you, my King; that? you, father. 
You restore in me all the cheerfulness of spring. 
Pardon my haste in repairing to you thus, 
But a lover's heart in distress is impatient always. 
Adieu my father, thanks a thousand times again, 
You have made the heart of your Princess Magdalene 
A hundred times happier than before. (The hing accom- 
panies Magdalene to the door, his arm encircling her.) 
Adieu my father, tulieu. {Magdalene retires.) 

Francis — ( To him se If. ) 

Ah how my heart aches. 

So fragile a flower to send to Scotland's dreary clime. 

But her mind, I perceive, is firmly set 

Upon Scotland's kiiig and coronet. 

So be it. Perhaps I may falter still. (A long pause after 

this; he drops his head upon his hand.) 
Away with the recreant thought; 
The physicians may, after all, be wrong; 
I am told that they are often so. 

Magdalene may live for years to come as Scotland's queen, 
But yet ! But yet ! I feel great misgiving, great misgiving ! 
Retires slowly, very troubled in mind, with his hand to his 

forehead. ) 

CURTAIN DROPS. 

SCENE II. — Eoom in Paris. (James V of Scotland, disguised as 
a valet to Sir Jamrs Hamilton, enroute to the chateau of 
the DuJi-e of Lorraine.) 

King James — 

Well, Sir James, here we are at last in Paris. 

The seas are crossed, we have had many an escapade. 

And as your valet I have had some amusing experiences. 

Recall how that bold wench at Dunkirk 

Wlien we landed from our boat, 

Showed such affection toward me, 



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Mr. L. F. Strawn, as "Francis I," King of France. 



—23— 

Thinking I was of her class; 

Calling me a prondish brnte because 

Forsooth! I did disdain her advances. 

Think how nearly I discovered our story 

When I chid the churlishness of those common soldiers there. 

But thanks to your excellency's vigilance and wise endeavor 

We have done nothing to betray our disguise. 

Here we are today in Paris, and tomorrow 

We shall set out for the chateau of the Duke of Lorraine 

Ah ! Then I shall see the fair Mary, our coming Queen of 

Scotland. 
Have you everything prepared for tomorrow, worthy Sir 

James ? 

Sir James Hamilton — 
Your majesty forgets 
That I am the master and you the valet. 

King James — 

True, true. Sir James. 

I must call my floating thoughts to account. 

Tell me how do you take the service of a king ? 

Sir James — 

Not much; your majesty cannot forget your royal station. 

For instance, when I bade your majesty 

Fetch me my horse at the tavern at Dunkirk, 

You called out in so loud and imperious a tone 

That many turned themselves around to see 

Whose voice it was that was so great, 

And beholding a valet had been so impudent to shout, 

Had recommended that you be stripped and striped. 

King James — 

Well ! well ! I must show more care in future. 

Do chide me when I mistake. 

I must be gone to repair to the grand bridge. 

I am told that the Princess Magdalene doth pass there at 

noon. 
I have not yet set eyes on her 



—24— 

Who was to have been Scotland's Queen. 
When next I see you, I will tell you how your valet 
Had set eyes upon the Princess Eoyal of France. 
What hour dost my master wish his valet to present himself 
again ? 

Sir James Hamilton — 

At your majesty's pleasure. 

King James — 

How now? Am I not your valet? 

Sir James Hamilton — 

'No matter of that, your Majesty, 

When you have set eyes upon the fair Magdalene, 

We will consider what you say; 

Come, I will accompany your Majesty somewhat on the way, 

And see that you do not chastise those 

Who would obstruct your path. 

And on my return will prepare for the morrow. 

(They both leave the room, the King familiarly taking the 
arm of Sir James.) 

CUETAIN DROPS. 



SCENE III. — (Same room in Paris. Sir James Hamilton 
awaiting the King's return.) 

Sir James — (Soliloquizing.) 

Well, surely this is an odd experience; 

His Majesty of Scotland, so excellent a King, 

Makes but a sorry valet. 

IsTor can he forget himself. 

It causes me to laugh at his behavior 

When passing in the streets of Paris — Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! 

He is not mindful of his valet's garb. 

And that no longer is he King of Scotland. 

Forsooth, when we entered into that shop yestermorn 

To make purchase of a stone for Mary of Lorraine, 

His carriage was so out of keeping with his garb. 

That the shopman was about to call the watchman. 



—25— 

I hinted to him that my valet was slightly deranged up 
here {touches his head.) 

The look of fear and apprehension that the shopman cast 
Upon his Majesty and his Majesty's rising ire — Ha ! Ha ! 

ha! ha! 
I will pledge mine oath 
That I wall not wittingly indulge a king 
As valet to myself again. 

Hark! (pause) here comes a rush. WTiat may it be? 
Ah ! Some more of my valet's strange doings, I warrant ! 

(In rushes the King closely followed by several watchmen.) 

Sir James Hamilton (evidently alarmed) — What may be the 
cause of this, your Maj — 

(Aside.) By my life! I did nearly give myself away. 
(Then looJcing sternly at the King and the watchmen Sir 

James says:) 
What may be the cause of this strange behavior? 

A Watchman — 

This impudent rascal here is valet to your excellency, I per- 
ceive. 
He has beaten a man so badly, and with so great a blow, 
That we had to seek a surgeon. 

King James — 

Your excellency, he doth shove against me so hard, 
And would not desist upon my polite request. 
But the harder did he shove. 
That I could restrain myself no longer. 

Sir James — 

That is but a poor excuse. 

No recompense shall you receive for six months to come. 

I will give this good man a hundred livres, your pay for 

such a time, 
To bestow upon the injured man. (Gives the watchman a 

hundred livres.) 
And here, my good men, there are fifty livres for your pains. 



-26— 



Watchman — 

I do not know that this money I ought to take, 

But, if you have cut off the man's hire for six months to 

come, 
That is sufficient punishment, I warrant. 
But, beware young man, if I should see you on the streets 

again ; 
I will not deal thus with you a second time. 

{Exit of watchman, murmuring as if to himself) Take great 

heed, take great heed. 
Methinks I ought to have fastened him with lock and key. 

(Exit watchmen) 

King James — 

But where are my Lord and Lady Murray? 

They were to meet us here ! 

It seems to us Sir James that these good people 

Are somewhat disconcerted at our refusal of the hand of 

Mary of Tudor. 
Never in all our kingly days have we been taken so much 

to task. 
So a king is to love at the request of a wise counselor, 
Even should such a wise counselor be a woman. 
Yet methinks I am somewhat fearful of her tongue, 
She doth appear so full of wisdom. 
And doth predict for us, such dire forebodings. 
That fain would I have my Lord Murray keep the woman 

away, 
What say you, Sir James, shall we dismiss them both ? 

Sir James — 

Your Majesty, I could not take it upon myself 

To say ought upon a matter so important, 

Lord Murray is a good counselor and filled with wisdom. 

And as for the noble Geraldyne, 

I would place her for wisdom 

Among the Gods themselves. 




The Princess Magdalene — . „ 

"To King James my heart and hand are given. 



—27- 

King James — 

And are you too, Sir James, 

Entering the lists against me? 

You have fallen a victim 

To the wiles of this clever but crafty woman. 

It appears to me that you, too, 

Wish me to wed the Princess Mary of Tudor. 

But here I trow are our tardy visitors. 

(Enter my Lord and Lidy Murray) 

King James — 

Late it appears to me that you have deigned 
To answer a summons to your King. 

Lord Murray — 

We did meet with an accident, 

Of which I will not trouble Your Majesty, 

Your most gracious Majesty's wishes 

Are commands to us always, 

Tomorrow, however, we sojourn 

To the chateau of Lorraine 

To see what destiny hath in store 

For Scotland's King, 

To quote your Majesty's own words. 

Lady Murmy — 

Ah my, liege lord, let me plead once more 

Before it is too late, to retract this fatal step. 

Let us hark back to Scotland's shores, 

Despatch Lord Murray to King Henry, 

Thus through the favor of my noble kinsman. 

Lord Howard, renew those relations, 

So petulently set aside, 

With the Princess Mary of Tudor, 

And thus King Henry's favor regain, 

Be not mistaken, my King, 

The King of England will a terrible vengeance wreak. 

Upon our torn devoted Scotland 

For the slight upon him cast. 



—28— 

I pray your Majesty, upon my bended knees, 
To take the council of one who has always found favor 
In your eyes. It is not now too late to turn back, 
My Lord Murray do thou plead with our King. 

Lord Murray — 

Your Majesty, Lady Geraldyne 

Hath spoken well, and alas too wisely ! 

I regard her sayings as fraught with deep concern. 

King James — 

Cease thy prattle, fair lady; 

I am getting somewhat wearied of 

The evil forebodings of thy speech. 

Say no more to me on this subject 

On the peril of my displeasure. 

Tomorrow, my Lord Murray, 

You can journey back to Scotland. 

For it is not our will and purpose 

To have the pleasure of our journey 

Thus constantly imposed upon. 

Lord Murray, do you take 

The Lady Geraldyne back with you to Scotland, 

And attend in person the meetings of our counselors. 

And see to it, that our wishes are respected by my council, 

While we are thus absent on France's soil. 

Lord Murray — 

I will do as your Gracious Majesty commands. 

King James — 

Fare thee well my noble Murray. 

And you too. Fair Geraldyne, 

When next you see your sovereign prince 

It will be when he returns to Scotland with his queen. 

Lady Murray — 

Farewell your Majesty, may every blessing attend you, 
And bring you back to Scotland safe. 

{Exit of Lord and Lady Murray.) 



—29— 

Sir James Hamilton — 

Your Majesty has surely had enough of this; 

Your Majesty would be wise to once more resume his royal 

garb. 
His Majesty of Scotland was never fashioned for a valet 

to a knight. 

King James — 

Now, good Sir James, bear with me awhile; 

We shall soon be out of Paris. I have not hurt as yet. 

I must go through with my resolve. 

I am weary, Sir James. 

Tomorrow at dawn we leave here for the chateau of Lorraine. 

I will retire me to rest 

And dream sweet dreams of Scotland and her Queen. 

Leave me alone awhile, Sir James. 

Sir James — 

I bid your Majesty a good night and sound sleep (retires 
bowing. ) 

King James — ( Soliloquizing. ) 

Sweet Magdalene. How fair a flower 

For Scotland's Queen. 

Yet, methinks, had I but seen her 

I would not have thus gently renounced her for the Lady 

Mary of Lorraine. 
Magdalene! How she doth appeal to my affections! 
But enough of this ! 'Tis too late for vain regrets ! 
There is a fate in all our lives 
From which we cannot flee, 
But I am weary and will seek my couch. 



CUETAIN DROPS. 



—30— 
ACT III. 

SCENE I. — Fete in the gardens of the Chateau of Lorraine. 

The Duke and Mary of Lorraine; equerries and ladies in wait- 
ing; people, merchants, landed gentry, farmers, etc. Tables 
with goblets of wine and refreshments scattered about, from 
which the people freely helped themselves; the people keep 
on moving. .. Enter among the crowd Sir James Hamilton 
and King James, disguised as his valet. They stand by 
a table. Sir James lifts a goblet of wirue and drinks, after 
which he bids his valet to do the same. . . General attention 
is drawn to them. Mary of Lorraine attended by her lady 
in waiting, Lady Ellenor, stroll through the gardens, they 
ate attracted likewise. Mary starts at the sight of Sir James' 
valet and whispers to Ellenor, both examine a miniature 
which Mary has unfastened from her neck. 

Mary de Lorraine — (Resting on the arm of her father.) 
So the Gottfridds 
Were the ancient rulers of Lorraine ? 

Duke of Lorraine — 

They were my child, 

The name of Gottfridd is as old as that of Charlamagne. 

Mary of Lorraine — 

And think you, my father. 

That your daughter Mary of Lorraine 

Hath in her veins all the pride of the Gottfridds? 

Duke of Lorraine — 

You have that, my child, and more too, 
You have the gentle, generous blood 
Of your saintly mother, Edith of Spoleto, 
Who perished so early, 
God rest her gentle soul. 

Mary of Lorraine — 

Have I not in all things 




Miss Grace Scatterday, who appeared in the role of 
"Lady Ellenor." 



—Si- 
Been a dutiful daughter to you, 
Dear, good, kind and noble father ? 

Duke of Lorraine — 

You have always been, from your infancy. 
My joy and comfort. 

Mary of Lorraine — 

Is it so, that our good King Francis I 
And the Duke de Lorraine hath plighted 
The hand of Mary de Lorraine to the King James V of 
Scotland ? 

Duhe de Lorraine — 
That is truly so. 

Mary de Lorraine — 

And so my father wisheth me 
To leave his side so that 
I may sit upon a throne ? 

Duke de Lorraine — 

I have no such desire, my child, (takes her hand.) 

But a parent's duty lies in the suitable mating of his child. 

But come, I wish to rest me under these trees, 

And talk awhile with my people; 

There comes the gentle Ellenor, (Enter Ellenor.) 

Do both of you, wander awhile in the woods. 

Lady Mary — 

Come Lady Ellenor, my father doth busy himself 

Upon his estate and with his people; 

Let us wander awhile in these woods 

And enjoy these beautiful trees and flowers 

And the fragrant air and song of the birds. 

Father do not begone before your daughter returns, 

(Lady Mary catches sight of King James, she turns to Ellenor 

Lady Mary — 

Come with me; a little nearer view may perhaps dispel the 

illusion. 
It cannot be King James of Scotland, 



—32— 

But yet my heart seems faint with emotion, 
For it whispers to me that it is the king. Come, come. 
(She gently draws her lady-in-waiting by the hand; they pass by 
Sir James and the King, who pretend to be unconscious of 
their presence; Mary and her lady-in-ivaiting shyly glance 
at King James, tahing him in from head to foot; Mary 
turns sharply around as they have passed and whispers 
audibly to her lady-in-waiting.) 

Lady Mary — 

'Tis the king! 'Tis the king! I must speak with him at 

once. 
My heart, my heart, how it flutters. {Places her hand to her 
heart.) 

Lady-in-waiting — 

Keep thy courage, my sweet lady; 
S'o handsome a man, and joined to such a mien, 
Surely must be a king. {By this time King James has 
drawn to one side; Mary approaches him; the people ob- 
serve her with astonishment; Sir James Hamilton makes 
an attempt to draw King James away from the fete, but 
too late, for Mary has come up to him.) 

Lady Mary de Lorraine — 

Sire, you stand very far aside; 
If it pleases your gracious Majesty of Scotland 
To talk with my father and with me awhile, 
You may if you so will. 

(King James is taken considerably aback, but seeing his de- 
ception has failed, he is determined to make the best of the 
situation; he is very much ashamed of his garb, however. 
The people around show considerable astonishment and in" 
Merest at Lady Mary bestowing her favor upon a valet.) 

King James — 

Your ladyship has guessed too well, 

I rather that your ladyship had not such keen eyes; 

My appearance thus is bad presumption, 



—88— 

For that I humbly crave your pardon; {Drops on one Jcnee 

and takes her hand and kisses it;) 

Which I know kind lady you will bestow; 

I had taken upon me this garb of service 

Hoping thus to see you, sweet lady, unperceived. 

So prithee, pardon my garb, (He arises here.) 

And if your worthy father, my grace of Lorraine 

Will deign to welcome me, such as I am, 

I am, sweet lady, at your service, (Bows low to her.) 

This, my lady, is the noble Sir James Hamilton, 

Who has accompanied me in all my wanderings. 

To him I owe a service as a valet, 

But he will give me dismissal at your behest. 

Lady Mary — (To Sir James.) 

Welcome, Sir James, to Lorraine, 

Your valet here has made our feast thrice happy; 

You will, I crave at my request, dismiss him from your 

service, 
So that I may employ him as I wish. 
What say you. Sir James ? Will you dispense his service ? 

Sir James Hamilton — 

Your ladyship has spoken well; 

If you will but take his majesty 

As hostage for our good behavior, 

I will make further promise 

Never to employ a king again as a valet. 

Or ever to obtrude ourselves upon your presence unawares. 

Lady Mary — 

Well said. Sir James; 

Your valet I will take into mine own service 

And retain as hostage for your good behaviour, 

Come, your Majesty, my hostage, 

I will present you to his grace, my father. (Mary proceeds 

toward the ducal party with the king, followed by Sir James 

Hamilton. . 



—34— 

Duke of Lormine — 

Whom have we here, my Lady Mary? {Looking surprised 
and astonished as Mary walks through the assemhly on the 
arm of a valet.) 

Lady Mary — 

My lord, your grace, his majesty King James of Scotland, 

Who hath performed a part of great decorum. 

He had wished to see me as I am, 

And with this good Sir James Hamilton 

Hath traveled as his valet; 

But this likeness, that happened upon my breast, discovered 

him, 
I present to you, King James V of Scotland, the suitor for 

the hand of Mary de Lorraine. (The duke having al- 
ready arisen at Mary's announcement, embraces King 
James.) 

Duke de Lorraine — 

Welcome to Lorraine, your Majesty; 
And you too. Sir James. 

(Music goes on, the ducal party converse, Mary and King James 
move slightly away from the rest; then while the music 
proceeds, the king retires with Sir James Hamilton, and 
shortly afterwards returns attired in his royal apparel. He 
is then introduced hy the duke to the festive makers. 

Duke de Lormine — 

My lords and knights and kind friends. 

Your attention, I pray. 

I make known to you. King James of Scotland, 

Who has traveled far to adorn our feast. (All bow low, 

several come and bend a knee to kiss King James' hand. 

King James — 

Friends, a long way have I come to see my lord 

The Duke of Lorraine, 

And the sweet Lady Mary, to whom I have plighted my troth. 

Your welcome appeals to me indeed. 



,GQ 




—35— 

For wliich, kind friends, I thank you heartily. 

{Music goes on. Here may be introduced singing, music, per- 
formances, etc. While this performance proceeds, the ducal 
party retires. ) 

CURTAIN DROPS. 



SCENE II. — (May he in the same gardens. Present -.King 
James and Sir James Hamilton.) 

King James — 

Our kind hosts have done us much honor. 
And have given us great pleasure indeed. 

Sir James Hamilton — 

Thou hast truly said, Your Majesty; 

Today we will visit with the King of France. 

His Majesty will no doubt take your opinion 

Upon the Lady Mary, the future Queen of Scotland. 

King Jarms — 

Hush ! Hush ! Hold thy peace, Sir James. 

Of that no more. See to it that our chariot will be here. 

That we may begone. 
(Sir James is very much surprised at the change of King James' 

tone.) 

Sir James — 

Pray what aileth your gracious Majesty? 
Your Majesty is ill this morn. 

King James — 

N^o, no, Sir James; I only wish ourselves begone; 

The kindness of our friends hath overcome me. 

Pray see to the chariot. 
{Sir James retires homing low to the Icing.) 

King James — ( Soliloquizing. ) 

How I do despise myself for such base conduct. 
Mary of Lorraine is both fair and gentle, 
Her manners too are engaging. 
But I cannot, cannot find it in my heart 



—36— 

To take her to myself. 

The Princess Magdalene holds my deep affection. 
But yet I have plighted my troth to the Lady Mary. 
O! Wretched man that I am! {He pauses for a minute, 
sitting himself down, then suddenly springing up proclaims :) 
By heaven, I cannot marry Mary; 
I will not marry Mary. 
I will go to King Francis of France 

And plead my claim for the Princess Magdalene. {Pause.) 
And yet such base dishonor 
"Would it be to our kind friends here, 
And to the gentle Mary too, 

That the thought unmans me. {Pause awhile in deep medi- 
tition.) 

No. no, I cannot marry Mary. 
Away with all faltering fears; 
Magdalene of France hath my love. 
With her I will urge my cause — 
To be accepted or to be cast off. 
{Enter Sir James.) 

Sir James — 

The chariot doth await your Majesty's pleasure. 

King James — 

Come let us go and bid adieu 

To our noble host 

And to the gentle Mary. 
{They leave the room. Music slow and pathetic. Shortly enter 

Mary de Lorraine and her Lady-in-Waiting.) 

Lady Mary de Lorraine — 

His Majesty of Scotland leaves today 

To see the King of France. 

Ah! I have such heavy sorrow at my heart 

That it bodes me ill. 

He mentioned to me the Princess Magdalene. {Pauses.) 

Yet it cannot be. 

To me he has plighted his troth; 

But still — but still I am unhappy. 




Lady Mary de Lorraine — (Miss Clara Evvard.) 
"Ah! Gentle EUenor, I love him so 
That the faintest shadow of a doubt 
Dotb. disturb me much." 



—37— 

Such doubts and fears arise 

Uncontrollably in my mind. 

Ab! Gentle Ellenor, I love bim so 

Tbat tbe faintest sbadow of a doubt 

Dotb disturb me mucb. 

And yet metbinks at times 

That be has been somewhat cold; 

And then again bis fervor would overreach himself. 

Yet still he loves me, 

Think you not so, Ellenor ? 

Ellenor — (Lady-in-Waiting. ) 
Certainly, my Lady Mary; 
He could not do otherwise, 
If I may be so bold to say. 
Put aside all fears of rivalry — 
King James is an honorable man. 
And a king's word is bis bond always. 
Besides, he has twice plighted you his troth — 
Once in Scotland, and then again at your father's feast. 
Pray banish all base fears; 
They are unworthy of tbe man you love. 

Lady Mary — 

True, gentle Ellenor; 

You do but chide me just. 

As my affianced is a king, 

I should with queenly thoughts 

Entertain his remembrance. 

And put aside all vulgar fears. 

He departs today and will be here anon 

To bid me farewell until he comes again 

To welcome me as Scotland's queen. 

Yet — yet — ah ! These fears, bow they take bold of me. 

Here he comes! 

(Enter King James and Sir James Hamilton.) 

King James — 

My sweet lady, I have come to say farewell. 



—38— 

I have but this moment bid your father adieu; 

And 'tis but left to me to make this sorrowing parting with 

your ladyship. 
Your ladyship has shown such favors to Scotland's king, 
That he cannot forget such kindnesses. 
My horses are at unrest without — 
But why protract this sorrow? 
For parting is sweet pain indeed. 
(King James drops on one knee and taking her hand, rever- 
ently kisses it.) 

Mary de Lorraine — 

Adieu, King James, adieu; 

And may it go well with your Majesty. 

Farewell! (She turns her face to hide her emotion, while 

King James retires, moving backwards towards the door, 

followed by Sir James in a similar manner.) 
Mary de Lorraine — (When King James has retired, with deep 

emotion to Lady Ellenor.) 

Not one word did he say of his return, fair Ellenor. 

Ah! My doubts misgive me. (Sobs on E lienor's shoulder.) 

CUKTAIN DROPS. 



SCENE III — Chamber in the palace of King Francis of France. 
Present: Francis, and seated by his side on a low stool 
is Magdalene. 

Magdalene — 

Your Majesty has been gracious to me 

To forget your feelings for your child. 

I have been so happy, my father, 

Since King James has been here. 

King James hath said to me 

That without me, he cannot live; 

And I can not live without him now. 

He comes this morning to plead with you 

For the hand of the Princess Magdalene. 

I have told him that you will not refuse him. 



B' 

o| 
P 2. 

(0 

I' 







—39— 

But why so silent? 

Be not downcast, my father; 

I may surmise that you regret my happiness. 

King Francis I — {Laying his hand upon her head.) 

'Tis not that, my child, that lays so great a weight upon my 

heart ; 
It is for your welfare that I feel concerned. 
Could I, with honor to King James, 
The Duke of Lorraine and Francis I of France, 
Discard his visit to Lorraine 
And his plighted troth? 

Magdalene — {Rising. ) 

Enough, your Majesty. 

King James did explain to me 

His doings and how they were misunderstood. 

He w^ent disguised, and as a valet, too. 

And not as King of Scotland ; 

And if Mary de Lorraine chose to interpret 

His natural gallantry, as a bold knight and king, 

Into expressions of devotion to herself, 

I, for one, cannot esteem one so bold. 

Your counselors are to assemble today 

To weigh upon this matter ; how early do they arrive ? 

King Francis I — 

Anon; methinks I hear them. 

{The King arising, encircles an arm around Magdalene and 
leads her to a seat. TBe counselors forthwith enter, with 
King James of Scotland and Sir James Hamilton.) 

One of the Counselors — 
The King of Scotland. 
Make way, my lords, I entreat you. 

{King James approaches Francis I, drops on one Tcnee and 
hisses his hand.) 

King James — 

My lord, my King of France, I have come 



—40— 

The hand of the fair Princess Magdalene to ask. 
Magdalene to me for many years gone past has been 
The hope of all my future years. 
To place her on Scotland's throne 
Has long been my fond desire. 
(Taking King James by the hand and arising himself.) 

Francis I — 

Arise, good King James; by me be seated, pray. 

With thee, and these wise counselors of mine, I will speak 
awhile. 

Some time before we wrote 

That our daughter, the Princess Magdalene, 

Was too delicate of health to brave 

The piercing winds of Scotland's shores. 

Therefore, I entreat, your claims desist 

And look to Mary of Lorraine, 

To whom you have plighted your troth, 
(King James arises from his seat and moves away a step or two.) 

King James — 

My lord, your majesty, Mary of Lorraine I will not marry, 
Even should Scotland live without a queen. 
So make no more of that, I pray. 

King Francis I — 

Then look to Margaret, my second daughter; 

She is more robust than Magdalene, 

And will make a fitting consort to your Majesty. 

'No cold winds of Scotland can her spirit quench 

Much before her time. 

I entreat your Majesty to consider her. 

King James — 

Your Gracious Majesty, with all respect 

To her royal highness the Princess Margaret, 

I cannot, nay, I will not yield the Princess Magdalene. 

(King James moves toward Magdalene, who advances to meet 
him. He leads her to tlte. King of France, her father, and 
both Jcneel before him.) 



—41— 

King James — 

Sire, your Gracious Majesty, 

On us your children your blessing pray bestow; 

Our lives indissoluble in one are linked. 

Strong or weak, healthy or sick, Magdalene my queen 

shall be 

And on Scotland's throne shall sit with me. 

Magdalene — 

My father, thou didst promise me 

That thou wouldst not my purpose thwart 

To wed King James of Scotland; 

So give us both your blessing, I entreat. 

One of the Counselors of Francis I — 
Your Majesty must remember, 

That this upon the house of Lorraine will throw a slight. 
King James has already, we have been informed, 
Plighted his troth to Mary of Lorraine. 

Magdalene — (Arising and turning to the speaker.) 

That is not so, sir! 

Mary of Lorraine mistakes. 

King James' gallantries have been misconstrued 

Into expressions of regard for the Princess Mary. 

Sir, I pray thee, wise sir, kindly hold thy peace. 

And let the blessings of his Majesty, my father, 

Rest upon our heads, 

Your interruption Showeth but little regard 

For the feelings c a royal princess. 

Pray, sir, take more heed. 

Francis I — 

My wise counselors, the Princess Magdalene is right. 

For weal or woe, in wedlock I will her bestow 

Upon King James of Scotland. 

Her simple love to me doth more appeal 

Than all the reasons of state. ^ 

I can p-^ longer my consent withold. 

Magdaxcne my favor has already claimed. 



—42— 

To the house of Lorraine I will make amends. 
To mine no more, mj lords, your will oppose. 
King James of Scotland to me a son will be 
In place of him that is lost. (And placing his hands upon 
the heads of King James and Magdalene.) 
Upon you, my children, let a father's blessing rest. 
(A stir at the door; general attention is directed towards it.) 

Francis I — (Looking up.) 

Whom have we here, my lords ? 

The Lord Chamberlain — 

His grace the Duke of Lorraine, the Lady Mary of Lor- 
raine, his grace the Duke of Albany. 
(King Francis I, King James V, and Magdalene arise; ihay 

hoiu low in salutation.) 

Francis I — 

Welcome my good Duke of Lorraine, and you loo, fair 

Princess. 
What tidings, my good Duke, dost thou bring? 

Duhe of Lorraine — 

No tidings of joy, your Majesty. 

We heard it said that King James of Scotland 

Is suitor for your daughter's hand, the Princess Magdalene. 

Not wishing so tender a flower to wound, 

I crave permission to advance my daughter's claims 

To the throne of Scotland. 

Twice plighted he his troth — his Majesty of Scotland — 

To Mary of Lorraine. 

Is that not so, my Duke of Albany? 

DuJce of Albany — 

That, my lord, is so. 

King James of Scotland — 

Come, come, my good Duke of Albany, 
Did you not bear an epistle from my King of France 
Telling me of the frail health of the Princess Magdalene? 
On that score alone, although it sore tried my heart 



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—43— 

I did give my consent to consider the fair Lady de Lorraine, 

Came I not on France's soil to carry out my royal pledge'^ 

But fate had otherwise decreed; 

It appears to me that the Princess Magdalene 

Was nQ%^ party to that arrangement. 

She insists on holding to her compact — 

A compact that was to have made her 

Wife of James V, and Queen of Scotland. 

She holds me to this; 

Indeed, to tell the truth, I am but too willing to be held. 

If injustice I have done unwittingly, 

I crave pardon of those I did so offend. 

Princess Magdalene-^ 

It is true, your grace of Albany, and my grace of Lorraine, 

To which my royal father can testify his truth, 

I did not consent to yield up Scotland's King and coronet. 

Since earliest dawn of maidenhood 

Scotland's King to me was pledged, 

My childish heart I did to him yield. 

To womanhood now that I have attained, 

Upon him I still bestow it. 

Dare any prevent it? 

What was mine was mine; 

Without my consent should not from me been promised; 

I pray thee, sweet and gentle Mary, 

In our happiness do join. 

It would make me sad, indeed, to think 

That you do not wish me joy. Who can tell? 

Scotland's throne for long I may not grace. 
{Magdalene goes up to Mary of Lorraine when she addresses her.) 

Mary of Lorraine — {Throwing her arms impulsively around Mag- 
dalem. ) 

Oh, sweet Magdalene, my Princess, so fair a flower, 
I cannot find it in my heart to cause a moment's pain. 
It is true I do fervently love King James, 
And it is not strange too, perhaps, 
To love the one who hath plighted you his troth; 



—44— 

I thought that King James did my love return. 

Sometimes he acted as though he did; 

But I had strange misgivings; 

To me it seems quite clear that on you 

King James has bestowed his affection and his love, 

So take it, Magdalene, my sweet Princess, 

And may you both live long and happily; 

Far be it removed from me 

To cause either an unhappy thought. 

Your most gracious Majesty, my Lord, King of France, 

And my father here, I do renounce all claim. 

That perhaps I never had. 

Upon Scotland's King and coronet. 

And let not a shadow rest upon the happiness of our sweet 
Princess Magdalene of France. {Mary breaks into 
sobs; and sinks into her father's arms.) 

King Francis I — 

Come, Your Majesty, my lords and counselors, we will re- 
pair 

To our other apartments, leaving the Lady Mary awhile 
with her father, 

She doth appear in great distress. 

King James gently draws Magdalene away; all retire, foMowed 
by the King of France, who hesitates at the door awhile, 
then turns back to Mary, and smoothing her brow, implants 
a kiss upon her forehead. ' 

King Francis — 

Most noble cchild. {He retires in evident distress and Lady 
Mary is left alone with her father, the Duke of Lorraine.) 

Duke of Lorraine — 

Having renounced your claim to Scotland's throne, 
Keey thy courage; let none other see a Lorraine struck in 
misery. 

Mary of Lormine — 

Ah ! Ilj sire ! Alas ! :Mine vain hopes as Scotland's Queen. 
May I never find it in my heart 




Miss Agnes Lannon, as "Magdalene," Queen of Scotland. 



—45— 

To cause the smallest anguish to our Princess Magdalene 

of France. 
I will live apart for years to come, 
Endeavoring to forget King James. 
Renouncing worldly aims, I will seek a cloister cell, 
Passing my days in prayer and good deeds. 

Duke of Lorraine — 

You will think otherwise in years to come, my noble girl. 

Mary of Lorraine — 

Father, do you not know your daughter's heart ? 
This fell stroke has severed it in twain; 
Say no more, let us begone from hence 
And seek our home. Come, father {Taking his hand.) 
We must go unnoticed if we can. (They leave hy a side 
door.) 

CURTAIN DROPS. 



SCENE IV. — A cloister cell in a convent. Mary de Lorraine 
attired in white, with her two attendants. Elderly nuns. 

The Elderly Attendant — 

Enter, my lady. {Magdalene enters, attired as Queen of 
Scotland; Mary looks up and starts on sight of her visitor; 
she quickly recovers herself, however.) 

Mary of Lorraine — 

Whence comes this honor to me, my most noble queen? 

Magdalene — {Holding Mary's hands.) 

I have come to say farewell, sweet Mary; 

Tomorrow we sail from France, for Scotland's far off shores, 

And I could not leave my country thus 

Without bidding you adieu. 

My happiness is so great, 

That sometimes I think it cannot last. 

Mary, it makes me sad to think that you 

Have suffered much by my happiness. • j 



—46— 

Mary of Lorraine — 

Your Majesty has conferred upon me an honor, 

This gracious mark of your royal favor. 

I shall cherish always. 

Think no more of me, my sadness has long since passed. 

I am happy here from day to day. 

Doing what ere I can find to do of good, 

And in prayerful thought submitting to the will of Heaven. 

And perhaps, I would not change my daily course 

Even for your owti, sweet Queen. 

Magdalene — 

Mary most Royal Princess in all of France, 

If Royalty measured is to be. 

By such splendid beauty of form and mind, 

All the passions of a woman's heart 

Hast thou not laid aside for me ? 

Making me debtor, here. 

And all through eternity, 

A thought lies heavy on my heart, 

And to this holy place I come 

To ask of you a pledge, 

A pledge which you cannot refuse me. 

Mary, this thought that possession takes 

Of my very inmost soul. 

This thought, a sad one too it is. 

That Scotland is soon to be without a Queen, 

And that no issue shall I leave. 

To sit on Scotland's throne. 

To carry down through time, the name 

Of Stewart, the Royal name of Scotland. 

King James will be perforce compelled 

To seek another Queen, when I am gone, 

To conserve his lineage, 

So that Scotland's King 

Shall not be left without an heir: — 

To me, this solemn pledge he has given, 

Should I soon go hence 









<j ►-• p 

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P ® o. 




—47— 

And Scotland is left without an heir, 

Upon you, has he pledged to me, 

He will place his royal affections: — 

For in all this wide world 

Where is there another 

So well fitted to take my place 

Than the Mary of Lorraine? 

Whose self-sacrificial love 

For her Princess Magdalene of France, 

Has secured to me, that Magdalene, 

So great a happiness that I now enjoy. 

To you, a suppliant do I come. 

To entreat you, to pledge me 

In this holy place, 

That you will not take those vows. 

Vows that will bind you nearer to Heaven, 

And shut out forever all thoughts of earth. 

So that, when I am gone. 

Your conduct will still be free. 

Your life and liberty you"^own, 

To bestow them upon whom you may. 

Pledge me this, sweet Mary. 

Mary of Lorraine — 

Enough, enough, dear Magdalene, 
If you would not cause my heart to burst 
With all these conflicting emotions. 
Ah me! Why was I ever born {Aside.) 
To suffer such agonies of mind and soul? 
{Pause.) 

Magdalene — 

Mary, sweet Mary, will you not give me the pledge I ask? 

Mary of Lorraine — 

Magdalene, my Koyal Princess, 

If it would ease thy pain. 

Ten thousand such pledges would I give 

To see that bright smile again. 



—48— 

But stay, your gracious Majesty, 

Fervently have I prayed to Heaven, 

That long and hallowed your life may be, 

Strewn with every blessing 

That life can give: — 

And I believe, most solemnly, 

That my prayer will be answered: — 

There is no occasion, my Princess, 

For what you so much desire of me. 

Magdalene — 

Could that be so! God grant it. 

For I am loath to leave 

King James, and all the happiness 

Of these coming years, when I am 

To reign as Queen of Scotland. 

If your prayers are answered. 

Then there are no reasons 

Why you should withold from me 

This pledge I ask of you. 

Mary of Lorraine — 

So strange a pledge, my Magdalene, 
It unnerves me much to take; 
Of womanliness it seems devoid. 
It, to me, unseemly appears. 

Magdalene — 

Mary, if I did not feel so certain here, 

(Points to her breast.) 

That I am destined 

To tarry but a short while 

Before I take that journey, far, 

Far, beyond the Scottish shores. 

Think you, I would ask you to pledge me 

So strange a pledge like this, 

"Were I not conscious of my short hours ? 

Mary, pledge me this pledge, 

And my happiness will be complete, 




Mary de Lorraine — 

"Enough, enough, dear Magdalene, 

If you would not cause my heart to burst." 



—49— 

Refuse me, and you will help to dash 
This shallow cup of sweetness from my lips, 
And fill all my few remaining days 
With wretchedness and with regret. 

Mary de Lorraine — 

Your Majesty, doth ask of me a pledge, 

That I would die, a thousand times again, than give. 

Even if by the giving of such a pledge. 

Could be assured to the Mary de Lorraine 

All the thrones and all the honors in the world: 

But I cannot embitter your happiness, 

Dear Princess Magdalene of France, 

For full well I know your gentle heart. 

1 will give you the pledge you ask, 

My most noble and gracious Queen, 

And I pray our good Father in Heaven 

To grant that I may never redeem it. 

Magdalene — 

Mary, I thank thee, a thousand times 

From the bottom of my heart, 

For you have lifted a burden from my soul. 



CURTAIN DROPS. 



—bO— 
ACT IV. 

FIVE YEARS AFTER. 

SCENE I. — Throne room in Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh. Pres- 
ent'. Mary de Lorraine, now Queen of Scotland, seated on 
the throne. Lady Gemldyne Murray and infant Princess. 

Queen Mary — 

Lady Geraldjne, long has it been my desire 

To inquire somewhat of you of our sweet Magdalene of 

France. 
Alas! Too frail, too fragile a flower to last, 
You have doubtless heard of the pledge 
That the Princess required of me, 
When I was in the convent of St. Marks, in France. 

Lady Geraldyrve Murray — 

I have heard the sad, sweet story from her Majesty, 
While she lay ill abed before she died. 

Queen Mary — 

King James did also narrate to me, 

The opposition shown by Lord Murray and yourself 

To the alliance with France, 

And how vehemently you both endeavored 

To circumvent his royal will, ; 

And he, the King, did dismiss you home 

From France's soil for opposing his purpose. 

Ijttdy Geraldyne Murray — , 

That is so my lady, but no unkind feeling 
Did we ever show the sweet Princess of France ; • 

!Nor did she ever occasion find : 

To complain of the loyalty of the Murrays — 
The marriage of King James having taken place, 
As loyal subjects of his Majesty, ; 

We bestowed upon her our warmest affection. 




Mary de Lorraine — 

"I will give you the pledge you ask," 



—51— 

Queen Mary — 

Often has the King spoken, to me, of this, 
And of the kindness of thy mother's heart 
To the Princess Magdalene, 
And that she had died upon your breast. 
Calling you by the hallowed name of mother. 

Lady Geraldyne Murray — (In distress.) 

Say no more, I pray your gracious Majesty, 

It causes me to live again 

Through all those last harrowing hours. 

I did truly regard the Princess Magdalene 

As a daughter to myself, and as such 

She has left an aching void within mine heart — 

And with her last breath, she bade me 

Bestow upon you, should you become Scotland's Queen, 

My greatest love and care, 

And who indeed, if they were but human. 

Could otherwise regard the late Queen of Scotland — 

We did not swerve a hair's breath 

In our devotion to our Queen Magdalene, 

While she did reign, the Queen of Scotland: — 

We feared, Lord Murray and myself, 

That Henry, of England, would empty 

The vials of his wrath upon this stricken land 

If King James refused the hand 

Of the Princess Mary of Tudor: — 

It is five years now agone, 

Henry hath his attention taken elsewhere. 

And hath not troubled Scotland: — 

But still I live in daily fear and trembling 

That he may yet work his evils upon ue. 

Queen Mary — 

Pray bring the infant near 

That we may regard her. 

Hark! I hear the King's footsteps. 

King James — 

Why this weeping? I trust the child is not iUS \ 



—52— 

Queen Mary — 

Heaven forbid, your gracious Majesty, 

But dear Lady Geraldyne here 

Has plighted her affections 

To me, as a mother, 

And I have plighted my affections 

To her, as a daughter; 

She showers upon me 

All the love of her mother's heart, 

That love, you know so well, 

She showered upon our sweet Princess Magdalene, 

The greatly lamented Queen of Scotland. 

King James — 

Let us put aside, today, all sad thoughts. 

And in some diversion seek 

A respite from our kingly duties; 

But see. Lord Murray approaches in haste 

With a missive in his hand, 

A supplication, I take it. 

From one of our subjects in distress. (Enter Lord Murray.) 

Lord Murray — 

An epistle from England 

To the Lady Geraldyne. 

With your permission, your Majesty, 

I will hand, my Lady, this missive. 

King James — 

Most assuredly, hand the epistle. 

Lady Murray — 

May I be so bold as to read this epistle? 

Methinks it is from my noble kinsman, Lord Howard. 

King James — 

You have our permission, gentle lady. 
Before it is asked. (Lady Murray opens the letter and is 
greatly agitated while reading it.) 




King James V — 

"Sweet Mary, the hour has struck 
For me to say farewell," 



—53— 

Lady Geraldyne Murray — 
Woe is Scotland! 
Woe is Scotland ! 
The English are approaching 
Thirty thousand strong. 

King James — 

What doth the lady say, 

The English approaching? 

She must be demented. (Aside.) 

Queen Mary — 

What the English approaching? 

It cannot be true, indeed, 

King James you would have 

Long since been thus informed, 

If such were the truth ? 

Thou art not jesting, dear Geraldyne? 

Lady Geraldyne Murray — 

Heaven forbid that I should make so sorry a jest. 
The good Lord Howard has fulfilled his pledge to me. 
The letter dates from York — 

Read but the epistle for yourself, your Majesty. (Hands 
the letter to the King, who hastily takes it.) 

King James — 

It is from York. "We are marching upon Scotland 
Thirty thousand strong." 
Produce the messenger that brought this? 
(Lifts up the paper. Lord Murray steps outside for the mes- 
senger. He returns in a short while with him.) 

King James — 

Step forward, my good man — 
Answer me truthfully and promptly. 
Who gave thee this epistle? 
When and where ? 

Messenger — 

The Lord Howard, at York, 



—54- 

Two evenings ago — 

I was to place it in the hands of either Lord or Lady Murray. 

The King — 

What was the strength of the English army ? 

Messenger — 

About thirty thousand strong 
At my best judgment 

The King — 

In what direction were they marching? 

Messenger — 

They were marching, by forced marches, northward. 

The King to the Messenger — 

You may retire. {Exit the messenger.) 

King James — 

Lord Murray, give thou the alarm 
And call Scotland to arms. 

(Lord Murray gives the alarm; soldiers quickly flocJc in 
from every direction, crying) 

To war, to war, lead us on good King James, 
To death or to victory. 

Queen Mary — 

My good James, dost thou have to go ? 

King James — 

I can but bid thee a hasty farewell, 

Mnry, my wife, my queen, 

The Kings of Scotland doth ever lead their troops 

Into the thickest of the fight. 

Come all men here, your swords uplift, 

S'wear to defend the honor of the King, 

And should I return no more, 

Swear to defend my wife and child, 

The infant Princess Mary, 

Who will reign the Queen of Sccotland. 




Mary de Lorraine — - . 

"Leave me not thus, I entreat you—" 
Leave me not, my husband, my king.' 



—55— 

The soldiers — {Lifting their arms.) 
We swear it upon the Cross, 
And upon Scotland's Holy Saint, St. Andrew. 
(Exit soldiers. The King then embraces his wife.) 

King James — 

Sweet Mary, the hour has struck for me to say fareweM, 

I have occasioned you, in past years. 

Some pangs of sorrow: Forgive King James — 

I go forth to meet Scotland's bitter foes. 

To conquer or to die: — 

If I do not come again sweet Mary, 

Teach our child that her father 

King James, the V, of Scotland, 

Did die fighting at his post, 

Doing his duty to his land and people: — 

Farewell my wife, my Queen, farewell. 

And do thou. Lady Geraldyne, 

Take good care of the Queen, 

And of our child, Scotland's heir — 

And if I come not again, console my Mary, 

For her gentle heart will suffer much. 

Lord Murray — 

Attend carefully the King's commander, my Geraldyne, 

Give thy greatest care to the Queen and babe. 

Our three sons are on horse without, 

I will bid them farewell for you:— 

Farewell, most noble woman 

That ever didst live upon this earth. 

(Lord Murray hastily embraces his wife.) 

King James — 

Hasten — Hasten. 

(Lord Murray retires with drawn sword.) 

(Queen Mary throws her arms around the King's nscTc.) 

Queen Mary — 

Leave me not thus, I entreat you — 



—56— 

Leave me not thus, my husband, my King. 
{King James gently disengages himself and tenderly con- 
signs the Queen to the arms of Lady Geraldyne Murray.) 

King James — 

Farewell — Farewell. To horse — To horse. 
(King James retires with uplifted sword.) 

CURTAIL DROPS. 

SCENE II. — Throne roo7n. Present :{The Queen Mary of Lor- 
raine and child, and Lady Geraldyne Murray. The Queen 
seated. ) 

Queen Mary — 

Dear Geraldyne, a fortnight has elapsed 

Since our good king and bold knights 

Went forth to this accursed war, 

I have grieved so greatly for Scotland's woes, 

That it escaped my mind to ask you, how it came about 

That you received such timely warning 

Of the approach of the English forces ? 

Lady Geraldyne Murray — 

Your Majesty, Lord Howard, is mine o^\^l cousin. 

My mother's sister's son, 

When he came to Scotland some five years ago. 

To offer the hand, of the Princess Mary of Tudor, 

In marriage to our own good King James, 

He then gave me this promise, 

For service that Lord Murray and myself 

Had rendered him with our best endeavors 

To bring success to this English alliance, 

Because Lord Murray and myself 

Knowing well the temper of King Henry the VIII, 

That he would wreak his vengeance upon Scotland, 

Should King James spurn the offer of his daughter's hand. 

We thought the danger had passed, 

But the monstrous English King 

Hath nursed his anger until now: — 



—57— 

We must be courageous and not lose heart, 
We have this child here to protect from ill. 

The Queen — 

True good Geraldyne 

Let us not downcast appear before the people, 

We should show no feeling, 

But the consciousness of a victory. 

And Scotland's complete deliverance 

And the safe return of our King, 

So that these people may take heart 

Even should defeat and death overtake our forces. 

We should show our confidence 

In Scotland to defend herself: — 

Let us take the child and present her to the people. 

The Queen tahes the child and goes toward the 'wwdov\ 
Just then Lord Murray comes in with dishevelled hair and hlood 
stained clothes. The tumult of the populace is heard outside. The 
Queen, still clutching her child, goes toward Lord Murray who 
is advancing. 

The Queen — 

What news, what news my Lord Murray? 

Your countenance belieth a victory, 

Tell us quickly. Hath Scotland lost the victory { 

Lord Murray — 

Our army has been defeated. 

And while the battle raged, 

The King dispatched me back to Scotland 

To take you and the babe into safe hiding. 

Until his return. 

Queen Mary — ^. 

Was he safe and unhurt? 

Lord Murray — 

He was safe and unhurt when I left him, 
The English were quickly following up 
Our vanquished army: — 



—58— 

They will soon be at the gates of Edinburgh — 

We have no time to lose. 

We must begone from here, 

For the safer keeping of the babe and thyself — 

Let us flee before it is too late. 

The noise increases outside, firing is heard, and a great 
tumult goes on. The Queen, still with the babe clutched in her 
arms, shoivs signs of trepidation. 

Lord Murray — (Looking out of the Palace window.) 
The English soldiers 
Are at the palace gate. 
Our only safety now lies in 
My discovering Howard, 
And pointing out to him our plight. 
I will go forth to find Howard 
And will soon return, 
If I do not perish in the attempt. 

Geraldyne look thou to the Queen and babe. (Exit Lord 
Murray. Lady Geraldyne takes the Queen by the hand.) 

Lady Murray — 

Hasten, hasten, let us 

Secrete ourselves in some secluded spot 

And await Lord Murray's return with Howard. 

God grant that Murray may find Howard, 

If not, we are surely lost. 

They go to a door and are driven hack. They try another 
and are again driven back. They make several such athmpts, 
being driven back each time. 8udde7dy the English soldiers 
pour in, and come forward as if to fall upon the women, who 
have by this time retA^ated to a corner. Lady Geraldyne Mur- 
ray places the Queen and babe behind her and faces the soldiers. 

Lady Geraldyne Murray — 

Are you men, or craven blood thirsty brutes, 
To fall upon a defenceless w^oman and her babe? 
Look at yon babe; you were once babes yourselves 
And nestled softly on your mothers' breast. 




Mary de Lorraine and her infant daughter "Mary Queen of 
Scots." (Miss Clara Evvard.) 



—59— 

And now you lift your arms to strike a mother down. 

Shame on you! Shame on you! 

Are you English soldiers, whose warrior fame 

Hast spread all over Europe? 

Whose invincible arms did mow down like grass 

The French soldiers at Poietiers and at Agincourt? 

You! The sons of those warriors great! 

They would turn them in their graves, for very shame, 

To see you, foul craven beasts, 

'No soldiers, worthy of such great sires. 

Lifting your arms against babes and women, 

Back, I say, back every one of you, cowards, dogs, 

Fie ! Fie ! On you ! For very shame. 

English Soldiers — 

Smite them down, smite them down, they revileth us. 

Lady Geraldyne Murray — 

I call you what you are, foul beasts of prey, 

With nothing sacred in your eyes: 

Tliat would batten upon the blood of such innocence. 

Look you, at that babe, men, 

Then look upon this mother. 

You could not find it even in your hearts. 

To use your cruel weapons against them, 

That is, if you are men. 

If you must have the blood of a woman, 

Then strike this breast. 

But spare this woman and her babe. 

But woe be it to English soldiers. 

That dare strike Howard's kin. 

Or the Queen of Scotland, 

Or this fair babe, her child. 

English, Soldiers — 

Listen not to her, strike them down, 

Kill them, kill them, babe and all. 

(The soldiers come toward them with uplifted swords %nd 
arm^s.) 



—60— 

Lord Howard — {Dashing in with Lord Murray.) 
Stand back, stand back, you curs. 
Would jou thus menace 
Women and children? 

You could not have misunderstood my orders. 
That such man dies. 
That dares to raise a hand. 
Against a woman and a child. 
And you have threatened 
The life of Sccotland's Queen, 
And yon prattling babe. 
And this my kinswoman, too. 
The Lady Geradyne Murray. 
Who was it that saith, "Kill them?" 
I heard the fell saying, 
As I dashed in at the door; 
Throw down your arms. 
Let them heap upon the floor: — 
Here, Provost, Ho! Ho! 
{The provost enters with his guard.) 
Take these men outside the castle gate. 
Place them against the city's walls. 
And before the eyes of the populace 
Dispatch them forthwith; 
Let the people know how Howard 
Doth deal with those who would 
Destroy women and children. 
Let none ask of me for mercy. 
For he that mercy asks for such a crime. 
Shall himself no mercy receive. 
But shall quickly be put to death. 

TU^ English Soldiers — {Kneeling.) 
Mercy, my Lord, mercy. 

Lord Howard — 

For mercy; you cravens prate, 

You wouldst not, just now, yourselves 

Show mercy to these defenceless women, 



—61— 

And this poor sleeping babe, 

There is no mercy for such as you. 

Neither on earth, nor in heaven, 

Away with them: — (The provost and his guards, having 

hound the condemiied soldiers, lead thern aivay.) 

My noble Geraldyne, do but thou arise, 

And lead the Queen back along with thee, 

{Lady Geraldyne restores the Qween to the throne.) 

I have sad news to tell you all — 

King James the V, of Scotland, 

Is now no more. 

He lieth now in cold death 

At Falkland, for these three days. 

And thy three sons. 

The last of Murray's noble race, 

Lie slain upon the field of Solway Moss 

With ten thousand rotting corpses. 

And no search has yet discovered them. 

They have gone to their death for Scotland. 

Lady Geraldyne Murray — 
Woe is me ! Woe is me ! 
Woe, indeed, it is, 
Five of my sons, 
All that I have borne. 

Have now gone down to death for Scotland. 
Woe is me ! That I did thus fore-see 
Scotland struck in such misery: 
I call upon Heaven, and upon 
All you stem soldiers here. 
And upon my noble Lord Howard, 
To witness that Geraldyne Murray 
And her good husband, the Lord Murray here. 
The most loyal man that ere 
Did draw the breath of life. 
Hath done their duty 
To Scotland and to its King, 

And the King, too, has gone to death in this disaster, 
Unheedful of the warnings 



—62— 

That we so often gave. 

Lord Howard — 

King James, being now no more, 

This prattling babe becomes his heir. 

I have "letters patent" here 

From mj Royal master of England, 

To proclaim the babe 

The Queen of Scotland, 

And to cause all men to know, 

That around this babe and her Royal mother, 

Henry hath placed his protecting mantle. 

Geraldyne, do thou lift up the child, 

Swear all present fealty, 

To the Princess Mary, 

Who is to reign Mary Queen of Scots. 

{All present lifting up swords.) 

We swear. 



THE END. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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